What is difference between 差点 and 差点没?

差点 (chàdiǎn) means "almost" in the sense of something nearly happening. 差点没 (chàdiǎn méi) is a tricky structure that can mean both "almost didn’t happen" and "almost happened but didn’t," depending on context.

Does 差点没 mean something happened?

Context is key! In most cases, 差点没 actually means the action did happen (e.g., 我差点没考上大学 usually means "I almost didn’t pass, but I did"). However, some speakers also use it to mean the opposite, so be careful.

Can 差点没 be used with positive outcomes?

Typically, 差点没 is used to describe negative or undesired situations , like accidents or failures, rather than positive outcomes.

Is 差点没 used in formal writing?

Not usually. 差点没 is more common in spoken Chinese and informal writing.

Can 差点没 be replaced with 差点?

Not always! Using 差点 without 没 usually means the event almost happened but didn't , while 差点没 can mean the event actually did happen —though usage varies regionally.

Can I take Chinese classes with LTL?

Yes! We offer Chinese courses in 8 destinations across Asia. Have a look at all of our language courses here .

HSK 5

Grammar Point	Pattern	Example
Expressing "almost" using 差点没	[Subject] + 差点没 + [Outcome]	我差点没掉进水里。
Expressing "anyway" with 反正	反正 + [Clause]	反正今天下雨，我们就不出门了。
Adjectival Complement 得很	[Subject] + [Adjective] + 得很	天气好得很。
Expressing various aspects with 一方面	一方面 + [Reason/Aspect A]，另一方面 + [Reason/Aspect B]	一方面学习可以增加知识，另一方面还可以锻炼思维能力。
Adjectival complement 得不得了	[Subject] + [Adjective] + 得不得了	他饿得不得了。
Double negation in Chinese	[Subject] + 不得不 + [Verb]	我不得不去上班。
Expressing "almost" with 差点	Subject + 差点 (就) + Predicate + (了)	我差点就赢了。
How to use 全 to express "whole"	全 + Noun	全世界的人都知道
How to use 曾经 to express "once"	Subject + 曾经 + Verb + Object	我曾经住在北京。
How to use 再	Subject + 再 + Verb / Verb Phrase	不要再偷懒了。
Differences between 以来 and 后来	Period of time + 以来	这是销售量自年初以来的第一次增长。
How to use 终于	Subject + 终于 + Predicate + 了	飞机终于起飞了。